MLB Trade Rumors: New York Yankees Scouting Brewers’ Zack Greinke?
June 27, 2012 · Doug Rush · Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees
In the month of June, the Yankees rotation was absolutely dominant.
However, in a span of 24 hours, that dominant rotation may have taken a blow as CC Sabathia landed on the disabled list with a groin strain, and Andy Pettitte left in the fifth inning after being hit on the ankle by a ball hit by Indians Casey Kotchman.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman would prefer not to make a trade next month at July’s non-waiver trade deadline. But now, he may have no other choice than to make a move for pitching.
According to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports, scouts from the Yankees were in attendance today for Brewers‘ Zack Greinke‘s start against the Reds in Cincinnati.
Would be surprised if #Yankees make play for Zack Greinke, although they have a scout at his start today; believed to be regular coverage.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 27, 2012
Morosi said he would be surprised if the Yankees made a play for Greinke. Nevertheless, scouts were still in attendance.
Back on May 16, I wrote about why the Yankees should re-visit looking into trading for Greinke and potentially making a deal for the Brewers’ ace.
Back on June 1, Jon Heyman of CBS Sports wrote about how the Yankees prefer Cubs starter Matt Garza over Greinke, because they are concerned how Greinke would fare in New York.
Greinke’s social anxiety disorder has been well documented in the past and nearly cost him his career, but he was able to overcome the disorder to continue playing.
At 33-41, the Brewers don’t look like they will be contending anytime soon for the N.L. Central or the Wild Card spots in 2012. So they will be in selling mode when July hits, which is what makes Greinke their most attractive trade chip.
The Yankees have, for the most part, been pretty clear in saying they are staying away from Greinke. Then why send a scout to his start?
This is more than just the due diligence that the Yankees show on players in the winter. When July rolls around, there’s major interest.
And given what has happened with Sabathia and Pettitte in the last 24 hours, Cashman really has to consider all of his options.
Freddy Garcia has been added to the rotation for now, and the Yankees are expected to call up Adam Warren from Class-AAA Scranton/Wilks-Barre, but will that honestly be enough?
Cashman could try to trade for Garza, but then Cubs president Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer can demand a fortune for Garza, who may be the number two or three starter with the Bombers.
Or, they could look at Greinke, who is a proven ace who has won in the American League, and decide to gamble.
Between now and July 31, Cashman has some major decisions to figure out about his team.
And he has to ask himself if pursuing Greinke is the right move for the team?
Stay tuned, Yankees Universe.
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